Self-Rescue

by David Fasulo, Mike Clelland (Illustrator)

2279640000000 Covers technical skills like knots, hitches, anchors and belays, possible rescue scenarios, necessary tools, patient assessment and terrain assessment 256 2nd paperback 0762755334 Falcon Guides

Genres: Climbing, Mountaineering, Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Joshua Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear and helpful techniques. Some are repetitive, and I imagine that was the goal to some extent.

[Volker Neumann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much for climbing systems. Was hard to adapt some of the ideas for canyoneering. Still learned a few neat knots like the mariner's hitch.

[Rose]

some helpful pointers

[Tomek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This guide to Self-Rescue definitely builds upon the content of the first edition. It is extraordinarily comprehensive in its treatment of knots, anchors, and rigging. The diagrams and drawings are clear and well-supported with in-text documentation and instruction. However, if anything, I would say this book may be too complete and may prove overwhelming to climbers who have not done much rigging and ropework. This is further complicated by the subpar organization of the book. For example, why would the author describe how to set up a technical ledge before explaining how to tie a munter mule or which knots can be used as a friction hitch? Furthermore, while the ABC transition system may be a nice pneumonic, I find that it overly complicates systems and techniques. I would rather have a thorough explanation of a few systems than misunderstand several niche techniques. All that said, no book will ever obviate trained instruction.

[Kiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good and comprehensive, but technical jargon gets in the way. I'm not sure on why redefining "someone hanging from a solid anchor on a rope" as a "technical ledge" makes it any easier to do a rescue.